FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Daniel O'Brien, a graduate student in the U of A's Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, has earned a Future Leaders in Science Award from the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America.

O'Brien, who is working on his master's degree in horticulture with a concentration in turfgrass management, was presented the award at the annual ASA, CSSA and SSSA Congressional Visits Day in Washington, D.C., March 14. He was one of only 18 recipients for 2017. The awards are in recognition of interest and engagement in science advocacy.

O'Brien is a horticulture program technician working with professor Doug Karcher, assisting in turfgrass research. O'Brien's research focuses on adapting technologies used in turfgrass management, particularly as they relate to golf course putting greens.

"Daniel is a great fit for this award because he will certainly be a leader in the field of crop science," Karcher said. "I am thrilled that he had the opportunity to get plugged into the world of science advocacy while representing our program and the University of Arkansas."

O'Brien earned his bachelor's degree in agronomy and soils from Auburn University and joined the U of A Horticulture Department in 2013.

ASA, CSSA and SSA are scientific societies helping members advance the disciplines and practices of agronomy, crop, soil sciences and related disciplines.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.